Gio Reyna Surprised by U.S. National Team Call-Up
Gio Reyna expressed his surprise on Thursday regarding his call-up to the U.S. national soccer team. Speaking to reporters in Atlanta, where the team is preparing for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, he acknowledged the difficulty of the decision made by coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Struggles with Playing Time
Reyna has largely flown under the radar during his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, making only 13 appearances this season, with just two since January, totaling a mere 26 minutes on the field. Following a challenging loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2024, which was intended to boost his playing time, Reyna has found himself in a frustrating situation. Since his return, Borussia Dortmund has utilized him sparingly, and Mönchengladbach has hardly featured him at all this season.
Fitness and Attitude Concerns
Concerns about Reyna’s fitness have contributed to his prolonged absence from consistent play. He has dealt with recurring groin and thigh injuries. Additionally, questions regarding his attitude remain persistent, stemming from perceptions formed after his performance in Qatar. A perceived lack of effort in training during that period limited his playing time, culminating in one of the most tumultuous episodes in U.S. soccer history.
Pochettino’s Confidence in Reyna
Despite these concerns, Pochettino appears unfazed. The coach has consistently highlighted the need for his players to secure regular playing time, yet he made an evident exception in Reyna’s case. His trust in the midfielder paid off during friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay last November, where Reyna scored a goal off the bench against Paraguay and assisted in the match against Uruguay.
Praising Team Atmosphere and Personal Readiness
Reyna has commended Pochettino for fostering a positive team atmosphere. “Mauricio and I have a very good relationship and we talk a lot,” he remarked, emphasizing the supportive environment within the camp. He feels prepared to seize any opportunity that may arise, regardless of his reduced playing time at his club. “I have confidence in myself within the team that if the opportunity comes up in the next few games, I can do something very good and have an impact to contribute,” he added.
Implications for the World Cup Roster
Unless there is a significant setback, Reyna is almost certain to be included on the 26-man roster for the upcoming World Cup this summer, given Pochettino’s steadfast support. However, uncertainty lingers around the extent of his playing time. He faces stiff competition, having lost his position in the lineup to Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman, and is now vying for minutes against Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, who has recently become another favorite of Pochettino’s despite dealing with an injury.
Positive Outlook from Reyna
Reyna’s outlook remains optimistic. “I get a really nice and confident impression from the people and staff here,” he stated. He appreciates the freedom afforded to attacking players under Pochettino’s guidance, which he finds conducive to enjoying the game. “There are guidelines that Mauricio wants me to stay within reason, but he gives the attacking players a lot of freedom. I think we really appreciate this because most attacking players enjoy the freedom,” he remarked, signaling his eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the team.
